Refrigeration Senior Service Technician at Houchens Food Group, Inc. – Greater Tupelo, Kentucky

Reports to: Refrigeration Service Supervisor

Houchens Food Group (HFG), established in 1917, is 100% employee owned with over 12,000 employees operating in 15 states. HFG is seeking to hire an experienced Senior Refrigeration Technician to support our network of supermarkets and convenience stores. HFG is committed to operational excellence, innovation, and supporting the communities we serve. This role plays a critical part in maintaining product integrity, reducing downtime, and driving long-term system performance.

Join a stable, well-established company with a culture that values your expertise and recognizes the importance of skilled technicians!

Overview

The Senior Refrigeration Technician is a highly skilled, field-based role responsible for advanced troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of commercial refrigeration systems across assigned locations. This position serves as a technical leader and mentor within the team, supporting system reliability, operational efficiency, and technician development.

This role operates independently in the field while collaborating closely with supervisors, peers, and store operations. Participates in on-call rotations and provides emergency response as needed.

Core Responsibilities

1. Advanced Troubleshooting & Technical Expertise

• Diagnose and repair complex refrigeration, electrical, and control system issues
• Perform advanced system analysis to identify root causes and implement long-term solutions
• Support multi-compressor rack systems, case controls, EMS systems, and related components
• Provide technical guidance to other technicians on difficult service calls

1. Refrigeration System Maintenance & Reliability

• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on commercial refrigeration systems
• Ensure optimal system performance, uptime, and product integrity
• Monitor system performance and recommend improvements or upgrades
• Respond to emergency service calls and critical system failures

1. Field Operations Support

• Execute service work across multiple locations with minimal supervision
• Support scheduling flexibility and on-call rotations
• Assist supervisors with workload balance and field coordination as needed
• Maintain clear communication with stores and internal teams

1. Work Order, Asset & Inventory Management

• Accurately document work orders, labor, and refrigerant usage
• Utilize company systems for service tracking and compliance
• Maintain proper truck stock and manage parts usage efficiently
• Identify recurring issues and support asset lifecycle tracking

1. Mentorship & Team Support

• Serve as a mentor and resource for junior technicians
• Assist in training and onboarding new technicians
• Promote best practices, safety standards, and technical consistency
• Support a strong culture of accountability and teamwork

1. Project & Capital Support

• Assist with equipment installations, retrofits, and system upgrades
• Support commissioning and startup of new systems
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams on project execution

1. Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with EPA, OSHA, and company safety standards
• Maintain proper refrigerant handling and documentation practices
• Follow all safety procedures and promote a safety-first culture

Why Work at Houchens Food Group

• Employee-Owned (ESOP) – Share in the success of the company
• Stable & Growing Organization – Long-term investment in facilities and people
• Innovation-Driven – Focus on energy efficiency and advanced refrigeration systems
• Strong Culture guided by our 5 Rules:
• Do Your Job
• Be Kind
• No Surprises
• No Drama
• Protect The Brand
• Community Impact – Supporting the communities we serve

Qualifications

Competency Statement(s)

• Technical Expertise – Advanced knowledge of refrigeration systems and controls
• Problem Solving – Strong diagnostic and root cause analysis skills
• Accountability – Takes ownership of work quality and outcomes
• Communication – Effectively communicates with team members and leadership
• Reliability – Dependable and consistent in performance
• Initiative – Self-motivated and able to work independently

Education / Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 5–10+ years of commercial refrigeration experience
• EPA Section 608 Certification (Type II or Universal) required
• Valid driver’s license required

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced troubleshooting (mechanical, electrical, controls)
• Experience with rack systems, EMS, and store-level refrigeration controls
• Ability to work independently in a field environment
• Familiarity with work order and asset management systems
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Basic computer proficiency for reporting and documentation

Physical Demands

• Frequent walking, standing, and climbing
• Occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
• Work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and refrigerated environments

Houchens Industries is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.